Head of Fundraising

The Head of Fundraising will be instrumental in the instigation, implementation and completion of the Trust’s long term funding strategy. This important role leads on the Trust’s approach to individual giving, legacies, campaigns and community fundraising. The role plays an important part in raising vital unrestricted income and will act as the connection point with our loyal supporters. The role will lead and develop a fundraising team, working closely with the Community and Heritage team and volunteers.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraiser with demonstrable experience at a senior level, with strong communication and relationship building skills.

This is a full-time position on a temporary contract for an initial period of three years, with potential to become a permanent position. Wicksteed Park operates a 40-hour working week, primarily based onsite. Consideration will be given to requests for flexible working.

With thanks to the players, this role is initially funded under the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant: Securing a Sustainable Future for the Home of Children’s Play.

Key Responsibilities

Our values shape how we do things at Wicksteed Park. By using our values framework to define our job descriptions we can see how each role contributes to the Group’s success.

Customer

· Lead the strategic direction and decision making of the fundraising function.

· Develop and deliver a fundraising strategy in line with our values.

· Develop, grow and manage a legacy strategy to ensure a pipeline of income and to ensure donors are kept informed about legacy giving opportunities. Develop an annual fundraising calendar.

· Ensure all customer/donor/grantor approaches and contacts are effectively recorded. Write grant applications in accordance with donor requirements.

· Build a network of supporters from individuals to community and corporate groups, delivering and maintaining high levels of customer care.

· Support and work with other departments, notably Community and Heritage, Finance and Marketing and the charitable Trust.

Community

· Demonstrate and apply understanding of community-based fundraising trends.

· Actively promote customer events and drive customer engagement with our heritage.

· Develop networks with local customers, suppliers and contacts to benefit the organisation.

· Champion the link between community and heritage and our experiences.

· Promote fundraising opportunities and raise awareness of the charity.

· Build relationships with diverse audiences to achieve financial objectives and KPIs.

Collaboration

· Lead the fundraising team to work flexibly in line with the organisation’s requirements.

· Produce and analyse fundraising data to inform income targets and financial plans. A data driven approach that will provide insight and analysis to generate opportunities.

· Use strong problem solving, organisational and planning skills to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment and have experience of managing budgets and risk mitigation.

· Work closely with the marketing team to drive creativity and storytelling in fundraising strategies.

· Manage time to work and thrive under pressure and maintain accuracy whilst meeting tight and relevant deadlines.

Creativity

· Champion innovation and continued improvement at a team and senior management level.

· Identify new sources of funding and sponsors.

· Listen to others and share ideas onimprovements. Identify opportunities to implement changes to strengthen our vision and values.

· Work with the business to facilitate change. Manage and champion change in your work areas.

Team

This role is responsible for the Fundraising Function with line management responsibility for the Fundraising Assistant.

Reports to: Director of Finance and Governance

Person Specification

Essential

· Previous experience in a senior fundraising role within the charity sector.

· Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with donors, funders, local service providers and volunteers.

· Excellent communication skills to inspire supporters and bring the charitable cause to life within the local community.

· Creative and solution-focused with the ability to drive forward an unrestricted fundraising strategy that connects us with our local roots and delivers campaigns and projects across multiple streams.

· Knowledge of the Charities Act and Code of Fundraising Practice and recognised standards.

· Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational skills.

· Extensive knowledge of the Microsoft suite to include Excel skills.

Desirable

· Able to adapt to changing demands and conditions within an environment of change and growth.

· Experience of leading and being part of the senior management team of an organisation.

· Experience and proven ability of managing and motivating a team of fundraising professionals.

· Experience of managing multiple priorities simultaneously while still providing the highest level of customer care to all supporters.

Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm

Pay: £48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Discounted or free food
  • Free parking
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • On-site parking

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Experience:

  • Fundraising: 2 years (required)

Work authorisation:

  • United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/11/2024

Apply Now!